Dental Assistant - Sturgeon Bay

Dental Assistant - Sturgeon Bay

At N.E.W. Community Clinic, we believe healthcare is a human right-not a privilege. Our people are the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve. When you join NEWCC, you become part of a collaborative, purpose-driven team where your contributions matter-and where your work makes a meaningful difference every day. More than a job, you'll find purpose here.

Responsible to: Dentist(s)/Coordinator

General Responsibilities:

• Assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center.
• Sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.
• Completes med consults as directed by the dentist. Faxes to patients PCP and follows set clinic policies. (Note in chart, scanned, follow up)
• Transcribes all chart notes accurately into patient chart for each visit. Properly initials each note and assigns correct Provider to each walk-out.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Serves as dentist's or dental hygienist's chair-side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per dental department protocols and the dentist's or dental hygienist's directions.
• Properly captures digital radiographs that are diagnostic (root apices/no overlapping). Radiographs properly labeled.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulations, laws, dental department directives, and protocols.
• Maintains dental department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and dental department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all dental department areas in compliance with dental department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Monitors patient flow, and assists the dental director, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and post-operative instructions
• Understands PHI and practices HIPAA compliance.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the dental department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with dental department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive, center policy, as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's and the dental department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a dental assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.
• Work in a collegial manner and mentoring students in a professional manner.
• Be an active participant in staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Completion of accredited course in dental assisting required or current CDA (Certified Dental Assistant)
• Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. Effective oral communication skills in Spanish preferred.
• Must be qualified in basic life support techniques/CPR.
• Bilingual preferred- Spanish Speaking